Athletic Club are set to miss out on playing in the Europa League final at San Mames after losing 3-0 to Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Los Leones had hoped that it would not be their last match in this season’s competition at their home stadium, but barring a miraculous comeback, it will be.
As per Diario AS, Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde gave his assessment of the match. He admitted that Man United were simply more ruthless than his side.
“We didn’t manage the first goal, that tension. And the sending off and the penalty conditioned the game. We were good when it was 11 v 11 and we had chances, but we didn’t score them. When they beat you 0-3 it means that they have been successful and we have not, in the chances we have had. These teams like Manchester United are unforgiving, they are very secure in the last stretch. We have to learn from this kind of thing.”
Valverde also spoke on the game-changing moment, which was Dani Vivian’s red card, which was in the same phase as Man United’s second goal. In his eyes, it was the wrong decision to show red.
“We protested a previous handball, which I think the referee awarded, the play continued and I thought the penalty was a clearer handball (from Garnacho). It was too much punishment – not only for the 0-2, but for playing without Vivian with 10 men.
“The foul on Sannadi was a foul, but I don’t know if I should have been a red card or not.”
Valverde also gave his thoughts on next week’s second leg at Old Trafford, admitting that he will not give up on reaching the Europa League final.
“It’s clear that we got a very bad result, but we have to play for the comeback. We are not going to give up on anything knowing that we have a very adverse result.”
Class70
59
Athletic Bilbao should be reminded that in the previous round, they played Rangers for 87 minutes with 11 men against 10 and they didn't win the match in Glasgow. The law is the law, you don't applaud the with it favours you and criticise when it goes against you. Denying your opponent a clear goal scoring opportunity is a fault punishable by a red card.
mdada
53
its been years since i heard manager comment United is ruthless and unforgiving. We have been either robin hood or santa claus these years
JeffersonDOG00
32
Manchester united will offend a lot of haters when they win this tournament to play champions league after not having a good league season🤣🤣. I love you Manchester united and every fan that loves it.
iZosky92
14
Harry defend n keeps cleansheet✅ Harry crosses lead to goals✅ Harry scores last minute goals✅ Even yamal calls him lord. We been discussing with Amorim i was suggesting we try him on Onana's position. Because Wow. He is so good.
Ome333
9
And my big word of advice to Amorim panning out of this game: You have 4 centre backs. Use them . Don’t manufacture Centre backs out of wing backs just so Dalot, Dougu, Mazrouari play every game. Drop one each time and put three of your qualified centre backs always in the game like you did. We did not concede because of that. We can win every game henceforth without conceding if you do this. All the best Amorim.
Hebailpry
9
the mere fact that Vivian made no attempt to play the ball shows that it is a clear penalty.